Makes 6 sandwiches
- Active time:40 min
- Start to finish:1 hr
August 2002
Hold the mustard: A zesty relish of almond, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and garlic makes a much more interesting spread. Pack these sandwiches next to an ice pack to keep them cool and fresh as you travel to the picnic.
-
10
cups
water
-
6
skinless boneless chicken breast halves (2 1/2 lb)
-
4
large yellow bell peppers
-
2/3
cup
blanched slivered almonds, toasted (see Tips)
-
1
garlic clove
-
1 1/2
tablespoons
chopped fresh jalapeño including seeds
-
1
cup
chopped fresh cilantro
-
1/4
cup
mayonnaise
-
3
tablespoons
fresh lime juice
-
3
tablespoons
sour cream
-
1
teaspoon
salt
-
12
slices good-quality whole-wheat sandwich bread
Poach chicken:
-
Bring water to a simmer in a 4- to 5-quart pot, then add chicken and simmer, uncovered, 6 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let stand, covered, until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and cool completely, then cut diagonally into thin slices.
Roast bell peppers:
-
Roast bell peppers on racks of gas burners over high heat, turning with tongs, until skins are blackened, 10 to 12 minutes. (Or broil peppers on rack of a broiler pan about 5 inches from heat, turning occasionally, about 15 minutes.) Transfer to a large bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap, then let stand 20 minutes.
-
When cool enough to handle, peel peppers, discarding stems and seeds, and cut lengthwise into 1 1/2-inch-wide strips.
-
While peppers are standing, pulse almonds, garlic, and jalapeño in a food processor until finely chopped. Add cilantro, mayonnaise, lime juice, sour cream, and salt and blend to a paste.
-
Spread cilantro relish on each slice of bread, then make sandwiches with chicken and roasted peppers, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Cooks’ notes: - Chicken can be poached (but not sliced) 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.
- Bell peppers can be roasted, peeled, and sliced 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.
- Relish can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, its surface covered with plastic wrap.
